Powered Latching Mechanism for Secure Module Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pluggable electronic and optoelectronic transceiver modules lack secure and efficient mechanisms for insertion and removal from host device receptacles, particularly in preventing unauthorized removal and ensuring reliable communication and latching.
Innovation Solution
A module with a latching mechanism and powered actuation mechanism that securely inserts and ejects from a receptacle, utilizing a solenoid-based actuation system to engage and disengage the latch, and an anti-tamper feature to prevent manual unlatching, with communication interfaces for electrical and optical signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual latching mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the module is insufficient and unauthorized removal cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical latching mechanism with an electromechanical system. A solenoid actuator is introduced to provide powered engagement and disengagement of the latch, transforming it from a passive mechanical component to an actively controlled mechanism. This substitution enables reliable securing while preventing unauthorized removal through electronic control signals from the host device.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the module is inserted into the receptacle, without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded latch self-actuates to secure the module, and the solenoid provides automatic disengagement when an unlatching signal is received, enabling the system to service itself.
2Reliability
If a powered actuation mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized removal, then the reliability of module security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solenoid actuator to replace manual latching operations with an electromechanical system. The solenoid converts electrical signals from the host device into mechanical motion to engage and disengage the latch, providing secure controlled access while maintaining relatively simple implementation through a single actuator component.
3Reliability
If the latching mechanism is made more secure with anti-tamper features, then the reliability of preventing unauthorized removal is improved, but the ease of operation for legitimate removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism automatically disengages when the solenoid receives an unlatching signal from the host device, eliminating the need for manual manipulation. The system services itself by converting the electronic signal back into mechanical motion to release the latch, making legitimate removal as easy as sending a control signal while maintaining security against unauthorized access.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure and reliable insertion and removal of modules, prevents unauthorized removal, and maintains communication integrity through secure latching and actuation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a solenoid-based actuation system to engage and disengage the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A latching system for use in selectively securing a module within a receptacle of a host device is described. In one or more examples, the latching system includes a powered actuation mechanism and a latching mechanism. In one or more examples, the module latching mechanism includes a latch and the powered actuation mechanism disengages a latch from a catch. In one or more examples, two latches are provided. In one or more examples, the latching mechanism of a module includes a pusher that interacts with a latch located on a receptacle. In one or more examples, a module includes two latches.